POWAY : Cross-Fire Wounds Agent, Drug Suspect

A U.S. Customs agent and a drug suspect were wounded by gunfire early Wednesday after agents stormed the suspect’s Poway home and he opened fire, a sheriff’s spokesman said.

The shooting occurred when agents from Customs and the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with countywide Narcotics Task Force agents assigned to the multi-agency Operation Alliance, served a federal search warrant at the home of Donald Lee Carlson, Lt. John Tenwolde said.

While several agents announced their presence at the double doorway of Carlson’s home, in the 14200 block of Silver Ridge Road, Carlson armed himself with a revolver.

Agents managed to force their way in through the left door, also breaking a window, and when the first agent entered the house, Carlson, 41, opened fire, Tenwolde said.

A bullet passed through the right-hand door and struck a Customs agent in the leg, he said.

Agents then opened fire on Carlson, striking him in the leg and body, Tenwolde said. It is unclear which agents fired the shots that struck Carlson, who was taken to Palomar Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.

“He’s expected to survive,” Tenwolde said.

Tenwolde would not reveal the contents of the federal search warrant or the nature of the Operation Alliance investigation. U.S. Customs officials could not be reached for comment.